CHOOSING AND BUYING A FARM 529 



has plenty of money, or can secure it at reasonable in- 

 terest rates, it usually pays best to buy a fairly large 

 farm that is in first-class condition in every way. One that 

 has rich soil well cared for, good fences and good buildings. 

 It is nearly always cheaper to buy improvements already 

 made than it is to make them. Buildings, fences, drains, 

 and other improvements usually do not add their cost 

 to the selling value of the farm. The superficial things, 

 such as paint and cleaning up of rubbish, usually add 

 much more than their cost to the selling value. 



If one is short of money, it is evident that something 

 must be sacrificed. He cannot then buy the best farm, 

 even if he does know that it is the best bargain. In 

 such a case, it sometimes pays to buy with a view to sell- 

 ing in a few years and buying a better place. If this is 

 done, the purchase should have the probable selling value 

 as one of its important considerations. 



Many times a good profit can be made by buying a 

 farm that is really good but that is a little neglected, 

 improving it and selling. 



But if one is buying for a permanent home, what should 

 he sacrifice first in order to make the most of his limited 

 capital ? Should it be area, richness of soil, buildings, or 

 some other point? In such a case, the most important 

 consideration is what can be made of the place in a life- 

 time. There are some points that are permanent, un- 

 changeable conditions ; others may be remedied as time 

 and money become available. Under such conditions, 

 the unchangeable points should be considered first. If 

 one has a sufficient area of tillable land that is level and 

 naturally fertile, other things may be added later, as 

 money and time are available. Drains may be added, 

 fences built, buildings put up, and trees planted. But if 



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